Valuing community, innovation, and customer care, Garden City Jeep’s General Manager Eric Rivera shares his journey from salesperson to leading one of Long Island’s top dealerships. With a focus on exceptional service, cutting-edge electric vehicles, and tailored buying experiences, he’s redefining the auto industry for local and out-of-state customers alike.
Can you tell us a little bit about the history and mission of Garden City Jeep and what sets it apart from other dealerships on Long Island?
We’re part of the VIP Auto Group, which has a great community of people. It’s a really good location that services all of Long Island, plus the early parts of Queens and Brooklyn. We get a lot of people from the boroughs who take advantage of the fact that we have valet parking, which makes it easier to park and shop while not feeling like they’re inconvenienced. We have what’s called the VIP program, which gives you free lifetime amenities like oil and filter changes, state inspections, loaner cars, and so much more. Also, if we’re servicing your car and the wait is going to be long, we’ll Uber you back and forth for free. Plus, if you experience issues on the road, we offer 24/7 rescue and towing anywhere from Midtown Tunnel to Montauk Point.
What would you say are some of the top-selling Jeep models at your dealership and what makes them so popular with customers?
The Grand Cherokee is the most awarded SUV ever, and now it comes in three different varieties. We have the Grand Cherokee five-passenger, which extends from a Laredo all the way up to a Summit. The Grand Cherokee Limited, which is the most popular model, always has aggressive and affordable programs for a great luxury SUV. Then there is the 4xe option, which gives you hybrid capabilities, helping you save on gas because it uses electric for up to 23 miles on a full charge. Finally, there is the Grand Cherokee L, which is the seven-passenger Grand Cherokee. It has ample utility for all your family needs and when the seats go down, it creates an incredible amount of space compared to most SUVs.
How does Garden City Jeep ensure a superior customer service experience from the initial visit to the post-purchase service?
Well, first off, we start with our purpose, which is to create value and an unparalleled experience for every customer that’s far superior to our competitors. We also have a mission statement — to be the biggest and best provider of automotive sales and service. And we empower our staff to provide every customer with the most memorable experience possible. We want that customer for life. We don’t want to just sell a car and then forget about the customer. We want to be that home that you can come to and feel comfortable with. We empower our sales team to make every customer’s experience memorable.
How has demand for electric and hybrid vehicles impacted your sales strategy? And what Jeep models are leading the way in that category?
We have the Grand Cherokee 4xe, Wrangler 4xe, and the Pacifica Hybrid, which are all hybrid models. The Wrangler 4xe gives you the ability to have fun by taking the top off the Jeep and turning it into a convertible. It’s also fun to go off-roading in the Wrangler, whether it’s on trails or on the beach. We also just announced the all-new, all-electric Dodge Charger and Wagoneer S, both arriving soon.
What trends are you seeing shaping the industry and how are you preparing for them?
As more electric vehicles are produced, the more electric inventory we will have in the showroom. One of the things that we’re doing to prepare for this is installing fast-level chargers inside and outside the dealership. This will help accommodate increasing sales that we feel will occur on these new models.
And lastly, what advice would you give someone looking to purchase their first Jeep? And are there any specific features or packages you would recommend?
Don’t be shy to tell the salesperson what vehicle and features you want. I always tell my sales professionals to truly listen to a consumer’s wants and needs. We don’t want to be “one and done” with a customer. We want that customer for life. So, when you’re coming in to look at a model, speak to the salesperson, let them be your advisor — they will guide you to the right options. You deserve to get the vehicle you want, and we’re here to make that happen.
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